This paper explores the role of ontology and its evolution in disability social work. It reviews the medical, social, and postmodern models to argue that disability social work is facing an ontological crisis, which can be partially addressed by a mindfulness based ontological position in social work research and education.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
To understand the historical evolution of paradigms in the field of disability informed social work: medical, social, postmodern, and embodied ontology;
To explore the usefulness of mindfulness based ontological position in creating new understanding and knowledge in the field of disability informed social work;
To explore the scope of spirituality and mindfulness in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, and how it can advance theoretical horizons of social work.
